'The Spirit of Armagh & Down Food & Drink Society' holding first meeting this week

Well known local businessperson Tony McKeown has got together with beer and spirit expert Conor O'Hare to help promote local food and drink from the Armagh and Down area. The pair are launching a Spirit of Armagh & Down Food & Drink Society and to this end they are organising a gathering this Thursday 4 May at 8pm in the The Bridge Bar, Newry. 

O'Hare loves sampling and promoting local sprits and whiskeys as well as local craft beers and ciders while McKeown brings his marketing expertise and his contacts in the industry. Thursday's Invite extends to producers, outlets like bars, restaurants, event companies, off licences, etc plus those individuals with an interest in tasting, supporting and promoting local brands. If you'd like to become involved just turn up on the night or if you want to know more email tonymckeown1975@gmail.com 

The pair are not going into the first meeting with any definitive plan for what comes next, although because  it's all about promoting local produce, it would be hoped it would lead to regular meet ups that would connect people to help promote local brands. Other potential ideas for the society could include a monthly tasting night featuring different food and drink producers. A distillery trip once or twice a year and possibly a couple of Newry festivals. Additionally there could be the potential of sharing within the group - It's hard to afford all those 20 year old bottles but if the group buys them they could open them to taste.

McKeown believes a three pronged approach is needed, local people tasting the product themselves, the shops, off licences and pubs stocking the products and local events and festivals that bring visitors to the area, supporting the local brands. "We've all got this desire to see these brands succeed. What can we do to work with each other, help each other to make that happen." he said.

He concluded "If we don't support and champion our amazing local produce how do we expect to export it to other parts of the world."

Get yourselves along on Thursday night to The Bridge.